BIDAYER A.K.A BIG RED DESERT: Why you should visit: Big Red is located just at the border between Sharjah and Dubai, via Hatta Road (E44). It is a magnificent open dessert that's open and accessible to everyone. You'll notice that the further you drive away from the city, the deeper the red colour of the dessert becomes. Then you’ll get to Big Red, a pretty popular spot for bashing dunes, but a beautiful and picturesque desert away from the hustle of Dubai. This is one of the most popular dune bashing sites in the UAE. This spot is always filled with those looking for an adrenaline rush. This desert has the easiest dunes that can be manoeuvred by both amateurs and professionals. On weekends and holidays, the area is swarming with motorists looking to show off the latest tricks in motorbikes, buggies, quad bikes and jeeps. Location: Dubai, 24.969919230283388, 55.72327668101903
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AL QUDRA DESERT: Popular due to its proximity to the city, the Al Qudra Desert is perfect for those looking to escape for the day, while still surrounded by plenty of civilisation. Located just off the side of the Al Qudra Road, this is perfect for residents who set up little BBQ’s and spend the evenings on a picnic blanket. It’s not exactly the spot to go Duna bashing as the desert itself isn’t home to any crazy high dunes. Location: Dubai, 24.988678421118355, 55.34756365010763.
Image Credit: Ghader Shaar/Gulf News reader
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LIWA DESERT A.K.A RUB AL KHALI: Why you should visit: Also known as “The Empty Quarter” only the very experienced dune-bashers go here. Liwa desert is known for the festivals and challenges that are conducted annually. Bordering Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen, myths and folklore narrate the story of an ancient city that once resided in the middle of the Rub Al Khali, but it was lost to the sands of time and till date, no one has been able to locate the ruins. It is the largest desert in the Arabian Peninsula. Spread over a wide area, with very soft sand, Liwa desert shares its border with Saudi Arabia. Stretching beyond the Abu Dhabi’s lush Liwa Oasis, with the Moreeb dune — the tallest in the UAE — a feat to behold. But novice drivers beware, it is easy to lose one’s way in the Rub Al Khali, hence it’s advisable to go as part of a convoy or with an expert guide. The desert offers a welcome blanket to set up camp but striking out solo deep into the Rub Al Khali should be avoided. While there, do take time to explore the town of Liwa, one of the few places that offers a brief glimpse into the origins of the country and its historical heritage. Location: Abu Dhabi, 22.848392331340335, 53.98949205387927
Image Credit: Atiq Ur Rehman /Gulf News
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BURIED VILLAGE OF AL MADAM: Al Madam is an abandoned village, dating a few decades back. The village now lies half-buried in sand, and nobody is exactly sure why. Located just on the edge of the Dubai border, it is worth the trip, just so you can see how the houses have been engulfed by the desert. Affectionately known as the “Madam Ghost Town” this area was built in the 70s, as part of a housing project. You will notice that all of the houses are the same. The village is made up of just two rows of identical houses and a mosque in the far corner. he village, according to locals, was once inhabited by Al Kutbi tribe, one of the three prominent tribes residing in and around Al Madam, a small town governed by Sharjah emirate. The local legend goes that jinns were the reason for the villager’s departure of the area. Jinns are supernatural creatures that Muslims believe exist in this world but not visible to human eyes. Location: Sharjah, 24.894612, 55.763894
Image Credit: Ahmed Ramazan/Gulf News
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AL FAYA DESERT: Why you should visit: Riding along the Sharjah-Kalba Road, towards the east-coast exclaves, will lead you to a spectacular desert of ruby sand: Al Faya Desert. Both amateurs and skilled drivers favour it due to its dunes, which are bigger than Al Bidayer. As a matter of fact, the popular opinion is that one can find the biggest dunes to ride down here, and hence is known under the name “Big Fall” also. This is a popular tourist spot to set up camp under the stars. Location: Sharjah, 24.300305395033043, 54.9669999886588
Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
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MLEIHA DESERT: Venture deep into the deserts of Sharjah and discover the UNESCO Heritage Site, which is home to breath-taking natural landscapes and a historical site, which gives you a look at how many beduines used to live in the UAE before it became what it is today. This new visitor attraction in the Emirate of Sharjah blends history, nature and culture. Alternatively, you can also try the more adventurous desert things, like riding a quad bike or dune buggy over the sand. If you prefer to go on foot, consider trekking to Camel Rock for an expansive view of the desert. The surrounding area is a beautiful location for a desert camp on soft dunes and under night stars. Location: Sharjah, 25.141154150479796, 55.85798333004225.
Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
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LAHBAB DESERT: Why you should visit: Known for its spectacular red sands, Lahbab is a popular night-time haunt for new campers. Many start off close to the familiar Fossil Rock that’s also a great place for stargazing. A barbecue in this weather is the best thing to do while attempting the ‘Big Red’, a 300-foot high sand dune, is a dune basher’s delight. You could also head over to the sleepy village of Madam just before the Hatta border crossing for more camping spots where you may have some wandering camels from local farms for company. Location: Dubai, 25.050124501814, 55.59266294671861
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SWEIHAN: Located in Abu Dhabi, it is on the border of three cities: Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain. Sweihan is known as “Little Liwa”, since it is the practising ground of Liwa enthusiasts. Sweihan is different than the other deserts and is only advised for experienced drivers, due to its big dunes and soft sands. With proper guiding and GPS, one can see an abundance of camels and lone Emiratis with their falcons here. Naqrah is a sand dune located deep in the Sweihan desert, which needs to be tried at least once by dune bashing buffs. Location: Abu Dhabi, 24.399723724671137, 55.28281904885302
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AL KHAZNAH: The desert stretch between Al Ain and Abu Dhabi is an off-roader’s delight, promising an unwavering desert vista that’s usually devoid of too many vehicles. Although, it is advisable to have a convoy of two to three vehicles if you happen to be a novice off-roader. Also, pack warm clothes as the temperatures are known to dip at night, bringing on some serious chills. Al Khaznah is also on the route of many desert safaris and camps in case the solo trip isn’t too appealing. Location: Abu Dhabi, N24°26.004, E54°49.579
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AL HAYER FOREST: Often overlooked by some of the more popular spots around the UAE, this gem on the Dubai-Al Ain stretch that offers a green patch and easy maneuvering for those who want to stay close to the highway but yet experience the desert adventure. The green patch is a delight to camp at after the rains, but beware of critters that call this place home. Location: Abu Dhabi, 55.800970, 24.741969.
Image Credit: Antonin Kelian Kallouche/Gulf Ne
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